of kids under 12 should be put off until more safety data is available. as the pandemic eases and businesses welcome workers back to the office, many parents are hoping to rejoin the workforce. they're experiencing a major obstacle. finding a daycare spot that can take their kids. >> the main holdup is a shortage of child care workers. here's the story. >> reporter: good morning. the child care industry is in a fragile state right now. the industry was short workers before the pandemic and has lost nearly 200,000 jobs since, forcing parents on wait lists for their kids as they try to make plans to return to work. the pandemic revealed major cracks in the system in what is a lose-lose situation for both parents and providers. mornings at wonder spring early education in west philadelphia start with circle time. the infants are fed and sung to.